Welcome

Welcome to the POZ Community Forums, a round-the-clock discussion area for people with HIV/AIDS, their friends/family/caregivers, and
others concerned about HIV/AIDS. Click on the links below to browse our various forums; scroll down for a glance at the most recent posts; or join in the
conversation yourself by registering on the left side of this page.

Privacy Warning: Please realize that these forums are open to all, and are fully searchable via Google and other search engines. If you are HIV positive
and disclose this in our forums, then it is almost the same thing as telling the whole world (or at least the World Wide Web). If this concerns you, then do not use a
username or avatar that are self-identifying in any way. We do not allow the deletion of anything you post in these forums, so think before you post.

The information shared in these forums, by moderators and members, is designed to complement, not replace, the relationship between an individual and his/her own
physician.

All members of these forums are, by default, not considered to be licensed medical providers. If otherwise, users must clearly define themselves as such.

Forums members must behave at all times with respect and honesty. Posting guidelines, including time-out and banning policies, have been established by the moderators
of these forums. Click here for “Am I Infected?” posting guidelines. Click here for posting guidelines pertaining to all other POZ community forums.

We ask all forums members to provide references for health/medical/scientific information they provide, when it is not a personal experience being discussed. Please
provide hyperlinks with full URLs or full citations of published works not available via the Internet. Additionally, all forums members must post information which are
true and correct to their knowledge.

Author
Topic: It's been 2 weeks (Read 10291 times)

Hello Poz community,As the title states, it's been 2 weeks since I tested positive. Have not had a WB test to confirm yet, nor seen an ID doc yet, but the appointment has been made for Feb 17th. After my diagnosis which was done simply as a routine test because it had been a couple years, I googled like crazy. I found out as much as I could stomach in a week. I cried for about 3 days. I had the test done along with other STD tests just to make sure I was still clean. I haven't gotten sick, or been ill in years. My last real bad sickness was 2 1/2 years ago. I was out of work for week with 3 infections (bladder, kidney, throat). But I recovered and thought nothing of it. In fact I've never been that sick in my life, but even still, I was put on antibiotics and sent home. Not hospitalized.I had been sleeping with one guy unprotected for a while now, and I told him right away the day I found out. There's a woman I'm involved with romantically (who knos about the other guy), but not together if that makes sense, and we had just had a fantastic weekend the day before. She's now on Antivirals for 60 days, and in Florida for a year, but she maintains that she loves me very very much and will do nothing but support me as I fight through this. She and I have been "involved" since my senior year of HS. I've had about every question run through my head in the last 2 weeks and still have 2 weeks to wait before my first Doc appointment.Perhaps a bit more background as to why this happened. At the ripe young age of 23 I got married. We were involved for 4 years and it seemed like the next step. It lasted all of a year before it exploded in flames. After we officially split, I went on a sex rampage. She and I hadn't done much of that in over 2 years. I had just come to terms with being bisexual (more on that in a minute) and I want to play. I'll tell ya, I probably slept with 50 people. Of those, 5 were unprotected. Can't out run the statistics right? Part of the reason we dissolved was the woman I spoke about earlier came back into my life after not being around for 4 years. That really messed with my head and while I NEVER acted on anything or even really made any suggestions was because I was married and I was in it to make it work. Anyway, since I found out I've been writing letter to my girl. I haven't read them to her, I've just been writing them. Its been a journal so to speak.I have a million questions and I'd really like to hear the success stories of the long term survivors. I need hope that I'll live as long a life as I wanted to. I'm 27 now. I estimate I've been infected any time over the last 3 1/2 years since my last test, or shortly before that. I'm ashamed of knowing better but doing it anyway. But I guess that really only makes me guilty of being human. Lat night I read a post about someone who was on ADAP and wanted to get married but couldn't because then he wouldn't qualify for ADAP anymore. I have health insurance, but I'm not rich. I'm just getting by. I'm able to save a bit here and there every month, but I'm by no means financially stable. Paying for the meds and the doctor visits scares the crap out of me. Not being able to marry the woman I love so dearly, and adopt her 2 children whom I also love like my own is heart breaking. I know she would do a symbolic marriage with me. A ceremony, and all that, but just not do it legally, and it feels like that's ok, but at the same time, it's not.I have more I want to ask, but right now I can't think of it.If you have any questions for me feel free to ask away. My life is an open book at this point. I can tell you I will fight this. I will beat this. I need to enjoy a long, healthy life with my girl, and her children. I WILL be ok.But I do have days, or times when I panic, and worry and think what if. I hope those stop soon. Till then, I look to you guys.

I def get the feeling lonely part, so much running through your head. I just kept looking at myself in the mirror and saying your the same person.

You will get through it, took me sometime but reading these forums you learn a lot! So I know it's a challenge but we are here for you. Feel free to Private Message me any questions you may have or if you want to talk.

I have only found out a month ago over the day New Years Eve. You will have your emotional ups and downs but we need to look and move forward. You're 28 and still young and still have much life ahead of you. Don't let this make you think you can do any less with yourself and your loved ones.

Thank you mecch, I generally put the cart before the horse in a lot of things in my life. I have some troubles with anxiety.And I apologize to anyone I may have offended by using the word clean and I will keep that in mind from now on and cut it out. Hadn't even thought about that.My GP did take more blood on my last visit there but I don't know what for, and I haven't gotten a call back from them yet. It's been 2 weeks. Half of me doesn't want to know.

So blood drawn two weeks ago , and now two more weeks before even seeing an ID? Why dont you call and move this along. You're suffering also from the uncertainty... Better to know the facts ASAP if at all possible.If your GP really thinks this is something to sit on for a month, well, get your results asap, and then give him/her a piece of your mind.

Logged

“From each, according to his ability; to each, according to his need” 1875 K Marx

So, I called my GP today looking for results on the last blood he had drawn, and he said he had just gotten them today. He had a viral load and genotype (i think?) test done. So much for the WB. I have HIV-1 and my VL is 105,980. I guess that's my confirmation.Well shit.Tomorrow I have a consult with an oral surgeon. Have to have one of my wisdom teeth pulled ASAP. The nerve is dying and it's causing a wonderful amount of pain. Is there anything I need to be aware of before this tooth gets pulled? Any precautions I need to take/make because of the HIV?

Sorry you had to get that news. Well now you know so you can start dealing with the brass tacks.

You don't need to take any precautions to have a tooth pulled. That I am aware of.

The common sense is to tell all your health care providers of your HIV status - but there are plenty who don't agree with that.

As for being HIV+ and eventually settling down with the woman you say you love, why is that out of the question? With some time and communication, that could still work out, IMO. Unless I'm missing something important.

Logged

“From each, according to his ability; to each, according to his need” 1875 K Marx

As for being HIV+ and eventually settling down with the woman you say you love, why is that out of the question? With some time and communication, that could still work out, IMO. Unless I'm missing something important.

There's really no issue here to be honest. She's fully aware of my health situation and if anything she's just made it that much more clear that she's hear for me and she'll support me with everything.I'm pretty sure those comments I made in my first post were a mild freak out due to the over anxiety I had been experiencing. As said before, putting the cart before the horse. I realized my anxiety was getting beyond my ability to cope so I made a call to my GP who was happy to help. I'm feeling more in control now, and getting the thoughts out much better.

As for telling my health care providers, I'm being forthcoming with that information. It doesn't sit right with me to with hold that to someone who will be cutting me open to so to speak. Again, that is my opinion. I can completely understand why someone else wouldn't want to tell, and I respect that.

You've been lying low. I trust all is well. My last appt, as it turned out, was only to see case manager (my mistake), but did get blood draw for genotype so to have results avail for next dr appt on 25th. Feb. when I see pharmacist and ID.Good luck on Monday. (thats assuming u log on b4 then and see this).

I've been laying low because I had been coming to terms with being positive. I was doing ok for the most part honestly. Had my appointment yesterday. Went ok. Felt strange, confusing, but ok none the less. Had lots and lots of blood taken. Got a PCV vaccine and a TB test. Got a call today from my Doc, telling me I have Syphilis as well. Fantastic. Currently have a cold too. Batting a thousand today. The syphilis was recent though. Last 6 months or so. Waiting to see what else I have. Tomorrow I'm having my tb test read, having more blood drawn since my veins had both said enough I quit, and having a penicillin shot.Feeling disease ridden and nasty and can't shower long enough to get rid of the feeling.

Did a rough time line of the seroconversion. 2-ish years ago I got really sick, and I mean REALLY sick, wicked fever, bladder/kidney infection. Went to the ER, did a whole bunch of tests and found squat. Doc thinks that's when I seroconverted. Narrows down who I was in contact with quite a bit to actually one person. Unfortunately, I have no way to contact them, or anything. I don't even remember his name. I'm not sure I even knew his name honestly.Feeling stupid. Feeling really stupid. I'm not swearing off sex, but I'll be damned if I have any contact with anyone for a long time.

Well, TB was negative, so that's a plus.Penicillin shots hurt like hell. Definitely wasn't expecting that kind of pain, and I have 19+ tattoos. My butt still hurts, lol.Cold has gotten worse. Boss told me to take the day off tomorrow if I don't feel any better. I think I might, and if I feel worse, I'll be off to the doc again. Gatta keep this in check right? One step at a time.

Yeah take the day off. Go shovel some snow, the fresh air will do you good.Penicillin shots and tattoos.Where is that parlor?. One stop science and art, awesome.Rest up and shake that cold.As for the pain it's all psychological, did u see the size of the needleprob not, thats why in the butt.Keep smiling kiddo.thx for the pms. (ie personal messages)

I did see the size of the needle. It wasn't that bad really. Just wasn't expecting that.Cold has gotten better now. I can feel again. I was dead to the world yesterday.Mental state is better today too. I'm that the cold getting better is helping with that too.We're getting there. Slowly.

I am feeling better now yes.I'm curious about the Stribild. Seems to be the one with the least side effects. Please keep me posted on how it goes for you.I have another appointment March 17th For meds discussion and any possible programs I might qualify for. I'm starting to get bills in from my first appointment back in January, and for my blood work. Not sure how I'm going to afford all this. Hoping they will take payments.The waiting game is hard. I want to just get everything done all at once, get one meds, be good to go, and be done with this, but that won't happen and I have to deal.Everything gets better from here. Chin up.

Haven't you applied for ADAP and Ryan White?.You have enough grief and stress without the added burden of bills.Typically the treating doctor should have the paperwork and apply through him/her, asuming they accept ADAP and Ryan White.I see you have an appt. but not until Mar. 17th. but can't you get the paperwork at least going and/or in order prior to reviving more bills.I have the cheapest Obamacare insurance where I have to pay the first $6000 b4 it kicks in. With ADAP and Ryan White my understanding is that I will get everything covered/free through those 2 programmes alone and absolutely nothing to do with Obamacare. I jokingly asked dr if I should cancel Obamacare (and save $290 per mth.) he suggested keeping it for med emergencies like broken leg or something sim requiring hospitalisation.

Ok. Well, Doctor's appointment today went fine I guess.Applied for ADAP today, I qualify so no more worries about not being able to pay. Thats a start.CD4 is at 700, and since the syphilis was treated and my wisdom tooth was taken out, my VL dropped to 20,000. Had the first HEP A vaccine today, HEP C was negative, but the HEP B showed a small "glitch" that might be some anti-bodies from being exposed to it at some point. Doctor said it looked like a false positive, the results were questionable. There wasn't enough anti-bodies to suggest an active infection. They are going to test for it again. I also tested positive for HPV. There was some small inflammation which is what he said, but the HPV isn't causing an issue right now.He gave me a script for Stribild, which after the ADAP goes into effect I will start, in a week or so.

Ok, so I'm now kinda just in a blah mood. I want to quit without quitting if that makes sense. Don't want to die, just don't want to live? But I'll keep going, I always do. Only up from here.

Hey Cars, today is day 7 for me on Stribild and I have not had any side effects at all. Can't tell any difference from before I started. Tested positive 5 weeks ago with CD4 count of 524 and viral load of 245,000. Looking forward to seeing how the treatment works in another 3 weeks....

I'm sticking around. I'm sure I'll have more questions, and I lurk more on the forums than I actually post. I read many people's stories, and hope for the future.I'm dealing much better now than I was. I did read the inactive ingredients list on the Stribild, and I did experience some very minor upset from what I'm thinking is the lactose used as a binding agent. I'm lactose intolerant, and I'm hoping that I will just adjust in time. It could also be my anxiety about taking it too, so I'm gonna see where it goes from here.